Is 'Blue Dot Fever' a real problem for the concert industry?
Key takeaways
- Over the last few weeks, acts like Post Malone, Zayn, Meghan Trainor, the Pussycat Dolls and Kid Cudi have canceled major tour dates.
- ‘We love the U.S., but now there is a reality in which we have to cut our losses and stop coming,’ one band said. ‘A lot of bands are giving up on the U.S., for sure.’
- Is this phenomenon of “Blue Dot Fever” real, or is it just a coincidence for specific artists amid a tough economy?
Musical guest Zayn performs on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” on May 21, 2024. (Todd Owyoung / NBC via Getty Images) By August Brown Staff Writer Contact May 12, 2026 9:35 AM PT 8 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
Over the last few weeks, acts like Post Malone, Zayn, Meghan Trainor, the Pussycat Dolls and Kid Cudi have canceled major tour dates. Whatever their reasons behind the scenes (they range from finishing new music to spending time with family), some have cited “Blue Dot Fever” as a possible cause — a tour staring down too many unsold seats to make the numbers work.
It’s a tough environment for all but the biggest acts right now — gas is eye-wateringly expensive, fans’ concert habits changed post-COVID, ticket prices are higher than many would like, and social media fame doesn’t guarantee a crowd in person.